After the long and grueling battle with the spider, we finally parted ways. Leon approached me, a small smile on his face. "I think… this is our thank you for everything, Haru."
I nodded, and Lily added, "We'll meet again if destiny allows."
As they slowly walked away, Lysandra waved her hand, a soft farewell in the dim light of the setting sun. I looked up at the sky — darkness had already fallen.
It was time to head back home, to reunite with the others,
earned 3 gold coins from Leon — though I still didn't understand how currency worked in this world. The bounty for a Rank C Spider was only 50 silver, yet Leon handed me the gold anyway. Maybe it was his way of saying thank you.
When I finally got home, everyone was already asleep. I didn't want to wake them.
So, I sat quietly outside, cleaning the blood and ash from my body. My skin stung — covered with scratches and burns — but it didn't matter.
I leaned back, staring at the night sky. The stars here were brighter… or maybe I was just finally seeing clearly.
For the first time, I realized something — I could take quests on my own. I didn't have to wait for orders or groups.
And as I remembered Arthur's memories — how he fought alone even when all his comrades had fallen — I finally understood him.
Arthur's memories… they were overwhelming. The sheer amount of experience, the battles he'd fought, the strategies, the endurance… it was almost too much to comprehend. I realized how strong someone could become purely from experience alone. Maybe tomorrow, I'd try testing myself with a solo quest. For now, I was exhausted. I went back inside and collapsed onto the bed without even eating. Damn… I was hungry.
When I woke up, the sun was already high. I left my room and saw everyone gathered around a small table, eating breakfast.
Hyun Woo's eyes widened in shock. "Haru! What happened? Why are you late?"
Before I could answer, Marco chuckled and interrupted, "Man, this is the first time I've seen you wake up late."
I noticed a girl with red hair sitting quietly. She must be Julius' daughter. I approached slowly. "Hello," I said, my voice low and cautious.
Hyun Woo stepped beside me. "Oh, Haru, this is Mara," he said. "She's Julius' daughter. She's studying at the Academy of Myrren."
Mara lifted her head with pride and spoke, "Hello." Her tone was calm but carried the weight of noble confidence.
Minji, sitting nearby, was already plotting ways to enroll in that school. We had discussed it just yesterday.
Hyun Woo leaned close and whispered to me, "I think it's better if we send some people to make connections here… maybe we can find a clue to get back to our world."
I nodded, digesting his words.
I took a few steps forward, looking back at him. "Are you also coming?" I asked, my face serious.
Hyun Woo's expression hardened slightly. "Of course. We need to plan carefully. Every move counts here."
Hyun Woo might become a big figure in this world. I glanced at Marco. "Are you coming too?"
He smirked. "Hehe… Sir Julius tried to recommend me to the knight corps where he worked before. The salary there is pretty nice, and we need money to pay Minji and Sora's enrollment fees."
"Sora's coming too?" I asked, looking at her with concern. She gave me a small nod.
"I think I can also help," she said softly.
"Really?" I thought, my mind racing. I hadn't even seen her use her magic before… and now I realized she had potential.
I turned my attention to Riku. "Okay… how about you?"
Riku straightened and said, "I'm going to help Mrs. Clara with her work. She's like a paramedic… helps people, especially after monster attacks."
I nodded slowly, concern tightening in my chest. "So you've already made all your plan, huh?"
With a stir in my heart, I just sat down and ate, watching my companions prepare themselves. Everyone had a role to play, and slowly, the pieces of our new life in this world were falling into place.